Eastern Tale: Samarkand
Everything I have heard about Samarkand is true, absolutely everything! Except for one thing: it was more beautiful than I could have imagined!
Alexander the Great
Ancient Samarkand is the second largest and most important city of Uzbekistan. He has seen much in his history: the rise and decline of civilizations, the ups and downs, peace and war.
Samarkand was called variously: “Pearl of the East”, “Eden of the Ancient East”, “Mirror of the World”, “City of Famous Shadows”.
Samarkand is the same age as ancient Rome and Athens (the city was founded in 742 BC).
The historical sights of Samarkand are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List under the name “Samarkand – Crossroads of Cultures”.
Attractions of Samarkand
Registan Square
Registan Square is the main attraction of Samarkand and all of Uzbekistan. There are three ancient madrasahs: Ulugbek madrasah, built in the fifteenth century, Tilla-Kari madrasah and Sherdor madrasah - both belong to the seventeenth century. The entire ensemble is inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List as a magnificent illustration of Islamic design.
This is a unique place of its kind: three huge ancient buildings are preserved in the same square opposite each other. Everywhere you look, there are small patterns, murals, blue and blue tiles and arched passages.
Thanks to the superiority and general Eastern spirit here, you seem to be returning to the times of the Great Silk Road, when caravans transported goods from the East to the West and, in fact, passed through Samarkand. Getting to Registan Square is very easy, as all city transport goes there, the stop "Shahar Hokimiyati", well, then on foot along Registan Street.
Siab market
Siab Bazaar is considered not only the largest market in Central Asia, but also a place where an amazing oriental flavor is presented. This is one of the oldest bazaars of Samarkand, which at one time was the center of public life and mass festivities of citizens. It was part of the Great Silk Road.
Currently, its area is 70 thousand square kilometers.
Its convenient location in the city center makes it attractive for locals and tourists. The entrance is made in the form of a triple arch with mosaics. There are a large number of goods - clothing, food, national goods, dishes, textiles, nuts, dried fruits, oriental sweets, spices, melons.
On the territory there is a cafe where you can try local cuisine. Particularly noteworthy are cakes baked in tandars. They have drawings and ornaments, so it can be a souvenir. For a long time does not lose its freshness and taste. In the artisan ranks, you can become an eyewitness to the production of a number of goods.
Hazrat-Hizr Mosque
Samarkand is an amazing and majestic place, whose history dates back two thousand years. There are many buildings and buildings dedicated to religious themes, whose age is entire epochs. But in this diversity, there is one mosque that definitely deserves your attention, despite its relatively young age. This is Hazrat-Khizr Mosque. Her amazing story begins with the worship of the elder, after whom she was named, who was worshipped even before coming to those lands of Islam. This elder was a symbol of immortality, aroused great respect and was deeply revered by the people, and the place where the mosque now stands is considered sacred. It is said that the Prophet had “living water” and patronized travelers.
There is a mosque Khazrat-Khizr, this majestic and truly beautiful structure, in Uzbekistan, the city of Samarkand, along Islam Karimov Street, at the intersection of Shakhizind and Tashkent streets.
Bibi Khanum Mosque
Bibi Khanum Mosque is the largest and most revered Muslim temple in Central Asia. The mosque was built in 1404 by order of Tamerlane, in honor of his victorious campaign to India, Timur Tamerlane himself chose the place for construction.
The mosque was built by the best masters from India, Iran, the Golden Horde. The grandiose monument was restored from ruins, work is still underway. From the original composition preserved the portal of the Milky Way with a gate of seven metals, including gold and silver, the building of the main mosque and two small and one minaret.
Kyzylku Desert n
The desert of a huge area (about 300 thousand square kilometers) occupies the territory of three republics: Uzbekistan (most of it), Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan. Translated "Kyzylkum" as "red sands"
In spring, the sandy expanses amaze with the spring blooming sea of tulips and poppies.
The climate of this region is sharply continental - heat in summer, and frost in winter. Through the desert expanses slowly move turtles, lizards and mammals, adapted to the conditions of the desert (jairans, foxes, tushkins, etc.).
You can get to Kyzylkum by car from Tashkent in 1 hour 37 minutes.
Photo: pixabay, free source
Text: personalguide
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